THE PALMS OF BRITISH INDIA AND CEYLON. 381 



^ Beccari distinguishes 6 different forms ; but it must be remembered 

 that it is impossible to define them exactly, as all those forms are 

 united by a great number of transition forms. It is, however, 

 quite probable that a comprehensive study of this palm in its 

 various localities will reveal the existence of well-defined sub- 

 species in equally well-defined areas. 



These are the forms mentioned by Beccari^ : — 



(a) Leaves large, erect ; petioles as long as or longer than 

 the limb. Spadices 3-plicate-ramose 5 last branchlets 

 very short. 

 (&) Leaves small or of middle size, patent ; petioles much 

 shorter than the limb. Spadices duplicate or sub- 

 o-plicate-ramose ; last branchlets very short. 

 (c) Leaves large, erect ; petioles long ; spadices duplicate- 

 ramose or simply branched. 

 {(V) Leaves small ; spadices simply branched ; branchlets 



rather short and rigid. 

 (e) Leaves small ; spadices simply branched; branchlets slen- 

 der, filiform, elongate, usually not numerous. 

 ( / ) Spadices simply branched ; branchlets with smaller and 

 more numerous flowers than usually. 

 Cultivation m Europe. — The Dwarf Sabal is a greenhouse plant 

 or even half-hardy. In the Mediterranean region it is very often 

 cultivated in the open. Owing to its extraordinary power of 

 adaptation the plant grows equally well in the climate of Calcutta, 

 Peradeniya and Buitenzorg as in that of Florence and Collioure 

 (43° 32' N. L.). 



It is usually not held in verj' great esteem, because it grows 

 slowly and produces few leaves. In open places which are exposed 

 to strong wind the leaves become torn after a short time. It is, 

 however, not without ornamental effect when grown together 

 with underwood. 



Illustratioin'. — Plate XXX was reproduced from an excellent 

 photograph taken by Mr. Macmillan. 



^ Beccari, 0. Le Palme americane della Tribu delle Coryph.e£e, in Webbia vol. II, 

 1907). p. 27. 



